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Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho anything.

this means 'telepathy'

this means "talking"

this means 'thoughts'

NOW ON WITH THE STORY

Chapter 2:Birthdays, Engagements, and War

As the two walked to their father's study they continued their telepathic conversation.

'I wonder what he wants'

'Yeah, me too Sango. Maybe he wants to wish us a happy birthday?'

'I don't think so. Remember, he hasn't done that since we were ten.'

'Yeah, you're right.'

It was true that their father, Lord Setsaki Higurashi, hadn't wished them a 'Happy Birthday' since they were ten. He usually left the celebrations a few minutes after it started, much to the dismay of the two twins. Setsaki in general hardly even spoke to them anymore. It's not that he didn't love them, he did with all his heart, he just couldn't take the fact that they looked so much like their mother.

In a matter of minutes Sango and Kagome arrived at his study and walked in when bidden to do so.

"Otou-san Kikiko said you wanted to see us?" Kagome asked.

"Yes." He said calmly.

"What about, otou-san?" Sango responded.

"I just wanted you two to know that there will be a surprise waiting for you when your celebration begins, which will be in one hour. So I suggest you dress up very formally because all of the lords of Japan will be coming."

Both Sango and Kagome were stricken dumb for three seconds. Their father had said more to them now than he had in the past eight years. Also because he said that all the lords of Japan were coming. They could've understood him inviting Lord Ishizu Makota of the north, but the lords of the east and west also?

It's because of the fact that the lords of the east and west were demons and it was well known to them and everyone else that their father hated their kind. The only reason he tolerated their pet nekos was because they were a gift from their mother before she had died. To the twins they could have cared less if a person was a demon, only if they didn't try to kill them that is, they were actually good friends with a few, but that was a fact hidden from their father.

'So why was he inviting them willingly?' They thought.

Japan was divided into four territories that consisted of the north, south, east, and west. The north belonged to Lord Ishizu Makota, who had spiritual powers of a monk and the south to their father, who too had the powers of a monk.

The west however belonged to Lord Inu Taisho, a powerful dog demon, and the east Lord Naraku Ogina, a shape shifter.

The twins then left their father's study when he told them that he needed to finish up some paper work and that they should start to prepare.

As they approached their room Kagome looked to Sango and asked,'What did you think he meant by 'surprise'?'

'I don't know Kagome, but I have a bad feeling it may be an engagement.'

'Why would you think that?'

'Well, we are of age..Heck we're past of age and over to almost too old and otou-san has kicked out every possible suitor so far for both of us, so why not?'

'You sure?'

'Yep, but let's just get dressed and see. Shall we?' Sango said dramatically pointing into their room.

Kagome chuckled and said,'Of course, dear sister let's.'

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The princesses stood closely next to each other as they mingled with the others at their birthday celebration. Kagome was wearing a midnight blue kimono that hugged her curves delicately, little white flowers graced it every so often across her outfit all around, a sky blue obi was tied comfortablyround her waist, and her sleeves gently widened at the end.

Sango on the other hand wore a crimson red kimono with orange sparkles causing it to seem like miniature flames moving to the rhythm of the light, her tan obi was tied loosely around her waist, while the entire kimono hugged her every curve, and her sleeves widened at the ends. In general both looked like ice and fire angels without a care in the world.

That was the exact opposite of what they were feeling because they still were wondering what kind of surprise that their father was planning for them. They didn't have to wait too long for answers because as the rest of the lords arrived with their families their father appeared and tried to get everyone's attention. All the guests quieted down as Setsaki announced something that would change the lives of the twins forever.

"Hello and welcome! We are gathered here today to celebrate my two daughters' eighteenth birthday," Setsaki started,"I have good news and bad news. The bad being that there will be a war taking place between Japan and China that will begin in one week," all gasped except the lords as he continued on,"It's because of this that I and the other lords of the north' east, and west must combine our forces to go to China and defeat the mainlanders. This battle will decide the fate of Japan and will probably last for a few years. Now this brings me to my good news, which is that in the case that I or the western lord should die my successor will be his son, Miroku, who will wed my daughter, Sango. Lord Inu Taisho's successor will be his other son, Inuyasha, who will wed my daughter Kagome. Unfortunately due to the dire need to defend our territories we shall leave a few days before the ceremony takes place." Setsaki finished hoping that hi daughters will not go into rage.

Unluckily they did just that and both in unison said or rather screamed,"What!"

Their father could order them around and tell them what to do, but that doesn't mean he has the right to tell them who tho marry, that was sacred. Kagome's eyes turned a pure glowing blue and Sango's turned a pure glowing red and their auras were dangerously swirling around them.

Everyone in the lords of the south and north's royal court immediately backed up and all whispered a terrified,"Uh-oh."

Even the lords of the east and west and their company took a few steps back not wanting to face the wrath of two obviously very pissed off mikos with a lot of power.

This had happened before, when the two were tan they almost cost the lives of over half the population in Japan. One phrase was repeated as everyone watched what played out,"Setsaki is in trouble!"

In slightly metallic voices Sango and Kagome said,"We need to speak with you otou-san," saying the last word with anger.

They walked out of the ballroom and closed the door behind them, while Sango started the conversation in fury, although knowing that even though the door was closed everyone could hear them.

"How dare you!" yelled Sango.

"I just want to make sure your taken care of when I'm gone!" Setsaki bellowed.

"WE CAN TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES!" they screeched together.

"You have no right to tell us who to marry let alone say to all those people that we will!" Kagome said angrily.

"Yes I do and you will wed them or so help me kami I'll disown you!" Setsaki yelled regretting he said that immediately.

Kagome and Sango were speechless and their eyes returned to normal. They both wore a stoic mask covering their emotions, but on the inside they were sobbing uncontrollably. The twins looked at their father with piercing eyes and said in an icy tone,"Fine, but don't think we will ever forgive you Lord Setsaki."

After that was said they went back to their rooms to blow off some steam as their father watched them go with a sad face. He pushed back all of his emotions and returned to the ballroom fully knowing that everyone heard.

When he went in he told the lords where their rooms were and the guests to continue on with the party. He walked to his chambers and went to sleep thinking,'That went better than I expected.'